ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Department of Space
Cabinet approves MoU between India and South Africa on cooperation in the exploration and uses of outer space for peaceful purposes
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding  between India and South Africa on cooperation in the exploration and uses of outer space for peaceful purposes. The MoU was signed in Johannesburg on 26th July 2018.
Salient Features:
The areas of cooperation under this MoU are the following:
- Remote sensing of the earth;
- Satellite communication and satellite-based navigation;
- Space science and planetary exploration;
- Use of spacecraft, launch vehicles, space systems and ground systems;
- Practical applications of space technology including geospatial tools and techniques; and
- Other areas of cooperation to be determined by the Parties.
The Cooperation under this MoU shall be carried out in the following forms:
- Planning and implementation of joint space projects of mutual benefit and interest;
- Establishment, operation and maintenance of ground stations for supporting space activities;
- Sharing of satellite data, results of experiments, and scientific and technological information;
- Joint research and developmental activities;
- Exchange of technical and scientific personnel designated to participate in the cooperative programmes;
- Capacity building in space science and technology, and space application programmes for societal purposes;
- Organization of joint symposia, conferences and scientific meetings; and
- Additional forms of cooperation will be determined in writing upon mutual consent between the Parties.
Benefits:
Signing of this MoU shall enable pursuing the potential areas of cooperation such as space science, technology and applications including remote sensing of the earth, satellite communication and satellite-based navigation; space science and planetary exploration; use of spacecraft and space systems and ground systems; and application of space technology.
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Submerged villages due to floods
The primary responsibility of disaster management rests with the State Government. The Central Government supplements the efforts of the State Government and provides requisite logistics and financial support. For providing relief in case of twelve notified natural disasters including floods, State Disaster Response Fund  is placed at the disposal of the State Government. Additional financial assistance is extended from National Disaster Response Fund  as per established procedure in case of disaster of severe in nature. Under the extant guidelines of SDRF and NDRF, relief is provided to the affected people for the damages caused due to notified natural calamities and not for compensation of loss suffered/claimed. Details of funds released under SDRF and NDRF during last five years to the State of Assam is given in table at below:

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Allocation under SDRF including Centre and State share
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Centre's Share of SDRF Released
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Release from NDRF

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2018-19
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|
2019-20
|
|
2020-21
|
|
2021-22
|
|
2022-23
|
|
2018-19
|
|
2019-20
|
|
2020-21
|
|
2021-22
|
|
2022-23
|
|
2018-19
|
|
2019-20
|
|
2020-21
|
|
2021-22
|
|
2022-23
|
|
532.00
|
|
559.00
|
|
686.40
|
|
686.40
|
|
720.80
|
|
478. 80
|
|
503.10
|
|
617.60
|
|
617.60
|
|
646.80
|
|
--
|
|
--
|
|
44.37
|
|
-
|
|
--
District-wise data about people left homeless and shelter-less in the villages is not maintained centrally. The data on damages due to heavy rain and floods is compiled by Central Water Commission  after receipt of confirmation from respective States. The statement showing damage due to floods/heavy rains in the State of Assam during the last five years  is at Annexure.
This information was given by the Minister of State, for Jal Shakti, Shri Bishweswar Tudu in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Vice President's Secretariat
VP calls upon the youth to take inspiration from the lives of freedom fighters
‘Building a society free of all kinds of discrimination is the real tribute to the sacrifices of the freedom fighters’
Vice President calls upon religious and spiritual leaders to take the message of service to the people
Women empowerment key to national progress: Shri Naidu
Vice President releases book on the life and parliamentary debates of Shri Umar Alisha, the former pontiff of Sri Viswa Viznana Vidya Adhyatmika Peetham
The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, today called upon the youth of the country to take inspiration from the sacrifices of the freedom fighters and strive towards a harmonious and inclusive society. He observed that building a society free of all kinds of discrimination is the real tribute to the sacrifices of our freedom fighters.
Shri Naidu was addressing a gathering at the release of a book on the life and parliamentary debates of Shri Umar Alisha, the former pontiff of Sri Viswa Vignana Vidya Adhyatmika Peetham in Visakhapatnam. The Vice President paid rich tributes to Shri Alisha for his contributions during the freedom struggle. Describing him as a humanist, Shri Naidu noted Shri Alisha’s efforts in the literary and social sectors as well as for women’s empowerment.
Referring to the spiritual outlook of Shri Umar Alisha, the Vice President suggested that religious and spiritual leaders should take the message of ‘service’ to the common people. It should be conveyed to the people that spirituality and service are not separate, and they essentially seek social welfare, he added.
The Vice President said that the empowerment of women is essential for accelerated national progress. He also underlined the importance of the education of girl child for the economic prosperity of the individual, family and the nation.
Andhra Pradesh State Tourism Minister Shri Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao, former pontiff of Sri Viswa Vignana Vidya Adhyatmika Peetham, Shri Umar Alisha, writers, linguists and others participated in the event.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Shri Arjun Munda writes to Chief Ministers to advise State Nodal Agencies for undertaking procurement of minor forest produce at MSP in right earnest
The Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri Arjun Munda has written a letter to the Chief Ministers of 15 States to advise the State Nodal Agencies for undertaking procurement of Minor Forest Produce  at Minimum Support Price  in right earnest. These States include Uttar Pradesh; Gujarat; Madhya Pradesh; Karnataka; Maharashtra; Assam; Andhra Pradesh; Kerala; Manipur; Nagaland; West Bengal; Rajasthan; Odisha; Chhatisgarh; and Jharkhand.
In the letter, he said that the current situation brought about due to outbreak of Covid-19 has posed an unprecedented challenge across the country. Almost all the States and UTs in India are affected by it, to varying degrees. Poor and marginalized including the tribal communities are most vulnerable in this situation. This being the peak season for collection and harvest of Minor Forest Produce /Non Timber Forest Produce  in many regions makes it imperative to initiate certain proactive measures to ensure the wellbeing of the tribal communities and their economy based on MFP/NTFP by providing them safety and ensuring their livelihoods.
Shri Munda said that this is essential to obviate the movement of Middlemen from Urban areas to tribal habitations and thereby check any eventuality of spread of Corona Virus among the tribal communities. Funds are available with these States under the said scheme and additional funds, if any required shall be made available by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The particulars of all district level nodal officers in these States handling the work may be shared with the Ministry. For any further support, the Managing Director of the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Federation of India  could be contacted.
He said that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is also contemplating to undertake awareness generation on Social Distancing among the tribal communities through Van Dhan Self Help Groups.
The implementation of Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana , the scheme for facilitating creation of sustainable livelihoods and promoting tribal enterprises, has gained momentum among the States. 1205 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras  have been sanctioned in 27 States and 1 Union Territory involving 3.60 lakh tribal gatherers thereby putting them on path of enterprise.
President's Secretariat
Press Communiqué
The President of India, as advised by the Prime Minister, has directed to assign the portfolios of the Minister of Finance and Minister of Corporate Affairs to Shri Arun Jaitley.
PIB Headquarters
Juvenile pythons and Lizards seized by Customs at Chennai International Airport .Two detained.
Based on information that wild animals are likely to be smuggled from Kualalumpur officers of Customs Air Intelligence Unit  maintained a special alert and vigil to catch the smugglers .
On Thursday morning AIU officers noticed that two male passengers moving in a rather suspicious manner in the arrival area. A close watch was kept on their movement and after they had collected their checked in luggage, one stroller bag each, it was observed that they were walking in a rather hurried manner. They were intercepted at the exit. The passengers were identified as one Mohammad Parvaez,36, of Ramnad distict and Mohammad Akbar,28, of Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu who had arrived from from Kualaumpur by Batik Airways flight ID 6018. On questioning they were evasive in their replies so their stroller bags were opened for further examination.On examination both the stroller bags were found to contain one big yellow plastic toy concealed in choclates, gift items and personal clothing. On opening the toys some cloth bags tied with rope were found inside in which some reptiles were concealed. On questioning they informed that these bags were given to them by someone outside Kualalumpur airport with instructions to handover the same to someone outside Chennai airport who would identify them. They were taken outside the airport but no one turned up to receive the bags even after waiting for a considerable time.
To identify the reptile species, Forest officers of Wild Life division were called. Seven reptile species were identified 1. Green Tree python  One 2. Scrub Python  one. Both native of Australia and not covered under CITES. 3. Black Tree Monitor lizard Two 4. Emerald Tree Monitor Lizard  Five 5. Blue spotted tree monitor lizard  Two 6. Reisinger tree Monitor  one 7. Sailfin Lizard  four . The lizards are native of Indonesia , Papua New Guinea and Phillipines and fall under CITES Appendix II .
A team of Veterinary doctors were called from Arignar Anna Zoological Park who inspected and found the animals to be in healthy condition. The Animal Quarantine Officials recommended to deport the wild life species back to country of origin as the passenger did not have any NOC/ DGFT license for import into India.
The wild life species were seized under the provisions of Customs Act 1962 read with FT Act. Both the passengers were detained. The seized reptiles being exotic species will be sent back to Kualalumpur .
Further investigations are under progress.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Russia on Joint Activities under Human Spaceflight Programme
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been apprised of Memorandum of Understanding  between India and Russiaon Joint Activities under Human Spaceflight Programme. The MoU was signed on 15th October 2015 at New Delhi.
Major Impact:
Signing of the MoU will strengthen the cooperation between India and Russia and would provide impetus to develop the technologies and advanced systems required for the human space flight programme like radiation shielding, life support systems, crew module, rendezvous and docking systems, space suit, training for astronauts etc.
Benefits:
The MoU would lead to develop a joint activity in the field of application of space technologies for the benefit of humanity. It will lead to setting up of a Joint Working Group, which will further work out the plan of action including the time-frame and the means of implementing the provisions of this Agreement.
Ministry of Finance
Reserve Bank of India Ahmedabad Regional Office Conduct Panel Discussion at Gujarat Vidyapith, Ahmedabad
Under the aegis of India’s Presidency of the G20 and in the run-up to the 3rd Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors  and Finance and Central Bank Deputies  meetings, scheduled from July 14-18, 2023 in Gandhinagar, with a view to creating wider awareness and involvement, a Domestic outreach program was organized by Reserve Bank of India, Ahmedabad at Gujarat Vidyapith, Ahmedabad on July 05, 2023. The program was attended by around 350 students and faculty of the university.
At the outset, Shri Bharat Joshi, Vice-Chancellor of the university welcomed all participants and officials. Thereafter, Shri Rajesh Kumar, Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India set the stage by outlining purpose and framework of the event. This was followed by a session on Electronic Banking and Awareness wherein students were familiarised about electronic banking, customer grievance redressal mechanism and basics of cyber safety. The session concluded with an engaging quiz, in which the students participated actively.
Thereafter, a Panel Discussion on ‘Aligning Sustainable Development Goals to changing paradigm of an inter- connected world’ was chaired by Shri B K Singhal, Chief General Manager, NABARD, Ahmedabad. During the discussion, the panelists viz. Shri Sunil Parekh, Chief Corporate Affairs Advisor at Zydus group; Dr. Prem Mishra, Dean and HoD Gandhian Philosophy at Gujarat Vidyapith; Dr. Satyajeet S Deshpande, Associate Professor, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar; Shri Lalit Narayan Singh Sandu, IAS, Managing Director, Gujarat State Handloom & Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited and Dr. Jharna Pathak, Director In-Charge, GIDR and Secretary, Ahmedabad Womens’ Action Group  put forth enlightening views regarding current and future scenarios of various Sustainable Development Goals. While one of the panellists’ highlighted the Gandhian philosophy of sustainability and how it relates to the present dynamic world, another talked about inclusive growth and reduction of income disparity. The role of industrialisation and importance of climate resilient initiatives was deliberated and at the same time role of women in achieving sustainability was emphasised. The discussion saw contrasting views leading towards a unanimous conclusion of sustainable living.
The program was very well received by students who gave a thunderous applause for the RBI team.
PIB Headquarters
Demonetization has crippled funding for left wing extremism: Union Minister of State Rajiv Prathap Rudi
Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship , Shri. Rajiv Pratap Rudy has stated that the demonetisation has completely crippled thousands of crores of money which was going to Left Wing Extremists affected areas. Speaking at a Meet the Press programme in Thiruvananthapuram, he pointed out that Demonetisation had a straight impact in such areas.
In response to a question on the infiltration by Pakistan, Shri. Rudy pointed that we have a neighbour which does not behave you cannot change your neighbour. He said Pakistan, which is a failed state, is indulging in infiltration and terror actions for its own survival.
Shri. Rudy pointed out that all the economic indicators, the global rating agencies, share markets, World Bank, IMF, Niti Ayog have noticed that the country is surging ahead in the economic front. The government has also delivered on the economic front, whether on hitting on black money, getting legislations in place, demonetisation, rolling out of GST, pointed out the Minister. He said the world is saying that the country has moved to a growth rate of close to 7%. Refuting the allegations that farmer suicide are on the rise, Shri. Rajiv Pratap Rudy said the Centre is working through the states and is making best possible efforts to infuse funds in rural areas. He said the aim of the NDA government is to double the income of farmers by 2020 and this is being achieved through putting in place various infrastructures and subsidies.
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Ministry of Communications
TRAI releases Consultation Paper on Review of Terms and Conditions of PMRTS and CMRTS licenses
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India  today released a Consultation Paper on ‘Review of Terms and Conditions of PMRTS and CMRTS Licenses’.
Earlier, Department of Telecommunications , through its reference dated 02.06.2022, requested TRAI to provide recommendations on the terms and conditions for issue of fresh licenses for CMRTS and PMRTS Services especially with respect to technical conditions  and financial aspects, etc. TRAI was also requested to give its views on any other issues considered relevant for CMRTS and PMRTS licenses. Alongwith the said reference, the DoT also enclosed the representations received from the PMRTS licensees, their Association and CMRTS licensee. In this regard, TRAI, through its various communications requested DoT to provide information on the subject matter. In response, DoT provided its inputs to TRAI.
In this regard, a Consultation Paper on ‘Review of Terms and Conditions of PMRTS and CMRTS Licenses’, seeking inputs from the stakeholders have been placed on TRAI’s website www.trai.gov.in. Written comments on the issues raised in the Consultation Paper are invited from the stakeholders by 26.09.2023 and counter-comments by 10.10.2023.
The comments/counter-comments may be sent, preferably in electronic form to Shri Akhilesh Kumar Trivedi, Advisor , TRAI, at advmn@trai.gov.in. For any clarification/information, Shri Akhilesh Kumar Trivedi, Advisor , TRAI may be contacted at Telephone Number +91-11-23210481.
DK/DK
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Export of Covid-19 Vaccines
India supplied COVID-19 related medical and other assistance, to over 150 countries since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic.
Since the start of Vaccine Maitri Programme in January, 2021, India has supplied 723.435 lakh doses of COVID vaccine to 94 countries and 2 UN entities in the form of grant, commercial export or through COVAX till 29th November, 2021.
In the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic during the second wave, support in the form of COVID related equipment and medicines were received from more than 50 countries. These included supplies from foreign governments, private companies, Indian associations abroad, etc.
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Special Service and Features
Telecommunications Department warns public against subscribing Starlink Internet Services in India
Department of Telecommunications, Government of India has advised the public not to subscribe Starlink Internet Services being advertised, as the Starlink is not a licensee under Government of India.
The company has started pre-selling/booking the satellite based internet services through their website . For rendering satellite based services in India, requisite license from Department of Telecommunications, Government of India are required. But Starlink has not obtained any license/authorization for rendering satellite based internet services that are being booked on their website.
Accordingly, the Government has asked the company to comply with the Indian regulatory framework for rendering the satellite based communication services and refrain from booking/rendering the satellite internet services in India with immediate effect.
(
Ministry of Finance
Exchange Rate Notification No.05/2021–Customs 
In exercise of the powers conferred by section 14 of the Customs Act, 1962 , and in supersession of the Notification No.03/2021-Customs, dated 7thJanuary, 2021 except as respects things done or omitted to be done before such supersession, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs hereby determines that the rate of exchange of conversion of each of the foreign currencies specified in column  of each of Schedule I and Schedule II annexed hereto, into Indian currency or vice versa, shall, with effect from 22ndJanuary, 2021, be the rate mentioned against it in the corresponding entry in column  thereof, for the purpose of the said section, relating to imported and export goods.
SCHEDULE-I
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Sl.No.
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Foreign Currency
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Rate of exchange of one unit of foreign currency equivalent to Indian rupees
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|

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|

|
|

|
|
|
|
|
|

|
|

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|
|
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|

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1.
|
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Australian Dollar
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58.00
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55.60
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|
2.
|
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Bahraini Dinar
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|
199.80
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|
187.50
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|
3.
|
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Canadian Dollar
|
|
58.90
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|
56.80
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|
4.
|
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Chinese Yuan
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|
11.45
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11.10
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|
5.
|
|
Danish Kroner
|
|
12.10
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|
11.65
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|
6.
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|
EURO
|
|
90.15
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|
86.95
|
|
7.
|
|
Hong Kong Dollar
|
|
9.60
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|
9.25
|
|
8.
|
|
Kuwaiti Dinar
|
|
249.10
|
|
233.35
|
|
9.
|
|
New Zealand Dollar
|
|
53.95
|
|
51.60
|
|
10.
|
|
Norwegian Kroner
|
|
8.80
|
|
8.45
|
|
11.
|
|
Pound Sterling
|
|
101.60
|
|
98.10
|
|
12.
|
|
Qatari Riyal
|
|
20.70
|
|
19.40
|
|
13.
|
|
Saudi Arabian Riyal
|
|
20.10
|
|
18.85
|
|
14.
|
|
Singapore Dollar
|
|
56.10
|
|
54.15
|
|
15.
|
|
South African Rand
|
|
5.05
|
|
4.75
|
|
16.
|
|
Swedish Kroner
|
|
8.90
|
|
8.60
|
|
17.
|
|
Swiss Franc
|
|
83.80
|
|
80.45
|
|
18.
|
|
Turkish Lira
|
|
10.15
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|
9.50
|
|
19.
|
|
UAE Dirham
|
|
20.50
|
|
19.25
|
|
20.
|
|
US Dollar
|
|
73.85
|
|
72.10
SCHEDULE-II
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|
Sl.No.
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|
Foreign Currency
|
|
Rate of exchange of 100 units of foreign currency equivalent to Indian rupees
|
|

|
|

|
|

|
|
|
|
|
|

|
|

|
|
|
|
|
|

|
|

|
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1.
|
|
Japanese Yen
|
|
71.85
|
|
69.20
|
|
2.
|
|
Korean Won
|
|
6.85
|
|
6.45
Ministry of Defence
REAR ADMIRAL ATUL ANAND, VSM ASSUMES CHARGE AS THE DEPUTY COMMANDANT AND CHIEF INSTRUCTOR, NDA, KHADAKWASLA PUNE
Pune: June 8, 2020
Rear Admiral Atul Anand, VSM has taken charge as the Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor of National Defence Academy , Khadakwasla from Rear Admiral SK Grewal, NM VSM. He is a second generation armed forces officer whose father is also an alumnus of the NDA . Commissioned in 1988 in the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy, the Flag Officer is a specialist in Navigation and Direction.
The Admiral is an alumnus of NDA , Defence Services Command and Staff College, Bangladesh and National Defence College, New Delhi. He has also attended the prestigious Advance Security Cooperation Course at the Asia-Pacific Centre for Security Studies, Hawaii, USA. A recipient of the Vishisht Seva Medal, the Admiral has commanded Indian Naval Ships Torpedo Recovery Vessel A72, Missile Boat INS Chatak, Corvette INS Khukri and the Destroyer INS Mumbai. INS Chatak was awarded the Unit Citation and thereafter INS Mumbai was adjudged as the Best Ship of Western Fleet during his Command. He also served as Direction Officer of the Sea Harrier Squadron INAS 300 and Executive Officer of the Destroyer INS Delhi. His important staff appointments include Joint Director Staff Requirements ,Directing Staff at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, Director Naval Operations, Director Naval Intelligence , Principal Director Naval Operations and Principal Director Strategy, Concepts and Transformation. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff  at IHQ MoD, New Delhi.
MI/PM
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